Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Simulation and Modeling

Meta; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Meta Robotics Studio seeks a Mechanical Engineer focused on accurate FEA and advanced kinematics to influence early architecture decisions for humanoid robots. You will own simulations, validate designs with tests, and work with design, controls, hardware, and reliability teams to deliver lightweight, high-performance systems.

You will evaluate structural performance, weight reduction, and energy usage across real robot tasks, driving robust solutions and clear documentation for EVT through PVT

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or high-performance electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated expertise in FEA including static structural analysis and interpretation of stress/strain, stiffness, and failure modes, and geometry optimization for weight reduction.
• Experience with at least one major FEA toolset (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, Comsol, Nastran, or similar) and pre/post processing workflows.
• Experience with drop/shock simulation and test correlation (instrumented drops, shock response spectra, impact modeling)
• Experience performing modal analysis and translating results into concrete design improvements
• Hands-on experience building kinematic models (e.g., using MATLAB, Python, ROS/Pinocchio, Drake, or similar)
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanics of materials, dynamics, and machine design principles as applied to product development
• Ability to communicate analysis results clearly to mixed audiences and drive design decisions

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end FEA for major humanoid subsystems.
• Perform and communicate results for structural, weight, drop/shock, and modal analyses.
• Define boundary conditions, load cases, acceptance criteria, and correlation plans.
• Drive design changes based on analysis and correlate with tests.
• Develop and use kinematic and dynamic models for joint architectures and actuation trade-offs.
• Quantify task-level power/energy usage and thermal implications across locomotion and manipulation tasks.
• Produce actionable guidance to hardware and controls teams on architecture choices.
• Collaborate with design, controls, perception, embedded, manufacturing, and reliability teams from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT.

Skills

FEA analysis

Kinematics/dynamics modeling

Robotics experience

Abaqus

ANSYS

MATLAB/Python

Visualization/communication

Project collaboration

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

Comsol

Nastran

MATLAB

Python

ROS/Pinocchio

Drake

Job description

At Meta, we're building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies for the next generation of experiences.To continue our efforts in the path to AGI, and as we move closer to a future with intelligent robots and advanced AI models, we're hiring talent across a broad range of disciplines from robotics hardware to system software, machine perception, and artificial intelligence. These crucial projects and initiatives taken on by this team have never been done before, so you have a rare opportunity to help us create new ways people connect around the world.Meta Robotics Studio is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with deep experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and kinematics/dynamics modeling to help design and optimize next-generation humanoid robots. In this role, you will use simulation-driven engineering to influence architecture decisions early, validate designs through detailed analysis, and partner closely with design, controls, hardware, and reliability teams to deliver robust, lightweight, high-performing robotic systems.You will work across structural performance, weight optimization, drop/shock survivability, and modal/vibration behavior, and also build/own kinematic and energy models to study optimal joint motor placement and power usage across real robot tasks such as walking, stair ascent/descent, and manipulation tasks. This team is dedicated to building hardware that enables learning through data collection and system testing.

Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Simulation and Modeling Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end FEA for major humanoid subsystems
• Perform and communicate results for: structural analysis (static and nonlinear as needed contacts, preloads, bolted joints, interference fits), weight optimization (topology/shape/size optimization and trade studies with manufacturability constraints), drop/shock and impact survivability analysis (energy methods, explicit/implicit where appropriate, correlation plans), and modal analysis and vibration characterization (mode-shape interpretation, frequency targets, stiffness tuning, resonance avoidance)
• Define boundary conditions, load cases, acceptance criteria, and correlation plans
• ensure assumptions are defensible and traceable
• Drive design changes based on analysis: identify high-stress areas, fatigue risk, stiffness deficiencies, and robustness gaps
• Partner with test engineering to correlate simulations to bench/vehicle/robot tests
• iterate models based on measured data
• Develop and use kinematic and dynamic models to evaluate joint architectures and actuation trade-offs
• Quantify task-level power/energy usage and thermal implications across locomotion and manipulation tasks
• Evaluate workspace, singularities, joint limits, torque requirements, reflected inertia, and transmission efficiency impacts
• Produce actionable guidance to hardware and controls teams on architecture choices (DoF allocation, link lengths, actuator placement, gearing tradeoffs)
• Collaborate with mechanical design, controls, perception, embedded, manufacturing, and reliability teams from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT-style phases
• Create clear technical documentation: assumptions, model setup, results, conclusions, design recommendations, and test correlation status
• Establish best practices for simulation workflows (review checklists, model versioning, validation gates, and data management)

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or high-performance electromechanical products
• Demonstrated expertise in FEA including static structural analysis and interpretation of stress/strain, stiffness, and failure modes, and geometry optimization for weight reduction
• Experience with at least one major FEA toolset (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, Comsol, Nastran, or similar) and pre/post processing workflows
• Experience with drop/shock simulation and test correlation (instrumented drops, shock response spectra, impact modeling)
• Experience performing modal analysis and translating results into concrete design improvements
• Hands-on experience building kinematic models (e.g., using MATLAB, Python, ROS/Pinocchio, Drake, or similar)
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanics of materials, dynamics, and machine design principles as applied to product development
• Ability to communicate analysis results clearly to mixed audiences and drive design decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with humanoid locomotion/manipulation requirements, including stiffness targets for control bandwidth and resonance constraints
• Proven track record of taking analysis from concept to validated hardware
• Working knowledge of CNC machining processes - understanding of fixturing, tool access, setup minimization, and achievable tolerances
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter, Solidworks PDM, Windchill, or similar)
• Experience modeling actuator/transmission efficiency, motor thermal limits, and energy consumption for robotic tasks
• Direct experience with robotic systems - BLDC motors, actuators, gearboxes, linkage mechanisms
• Background in high-mix/low-volume transitioning to mid-volume production environments
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO, Rhino)
• Experience managing time-sensitive projects through to completion while balancing evolving priorities and a broad range of stakeholders
• Experience with optimization (topology/shape/parametric) and designing for manufacturability (CNC, die cast, additive, composites)
• Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, or composite manufacturing as it relates to complex-geometry parts
• Experience with fatigue, joint modeling (bolts, bearings, welds/adhesives), and contact nonlinearity
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related discipline

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today - beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].

$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.